Red Cross Tips for a Safe Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, and trick-or-treaters will be knocking on the door before you know it. The Hawai’i Red Cross has offered safety tips for costume safety, safe trick-or-treating, and for welcoming the kids.

“We want everyone to enjoy this fun-filled night,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross.  “The kids are excited, but first, parents need to make sure their kids know what to do in order to have fun and stay safe.”

Costume Safety:

• Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
• Have everyone wear light-colored clothing to be seen.
• Use flame-resistant costumes.
• Use face makeup instead of masks, which can cover your eyes and make it hard to see.

Trick-or-Treating:

• Make sure trick-or-treaters have a flashlight to see where they are going and to be seen by drivers.
• Visit only the homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door—never go inside.
• Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
• Don’t cut across yards or use alleys. Don’t cross between parked cars.
• It’s not only vampires and monsters people have to look out for. Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

Welcoming Kids:

• Make sure the outdoor lights are on.
• Sweep leaves from the sidewalks and steps.
• Clear the porch or front yard of any obstacles that a child could trip over.
• Restrain the pets.
• Use a glow stick instead of a candle in the jack-o-lantern to avoid a fire hazard.
• Use extra caution if driving. The youngsters are excited and may forget to look both ways before crossing